We were rather scathing in our write up of the K100D Super's predecessor, the plain old K100D.

Our grumpiness was largely because the design hadn't changed much since the days of the *ist D - if anything this incarnation is larger, yet at the same time less fussy - and, with a six megapixel resolution it felt overpriced at £600 when you could buy a 10MP DSLR for a similar outlay.

Taking note where due, Pentax have addressed that cost criticism, keeping the same pixel count but dropping the recommended price to £399, and still including an 18-55mm kit lens into the bargain. Did I say 'bargain'? The price certainly gives Nikon's similarly specified D40 a close run for its money.

This 'new' camera is as easy to use and responsive as its similarly named sibling, yet adds in dust removal (something the D40 doesn't bother with) - by way of a protective coating on the chip plus high-speed vibration of same - while maintaining compact dimensions and a solid build that belies its budget pricing.

The main controls are uncluttered, ergonomically placed, clearly labelled and fall readily under forefinger and thumb - from the outside at least, there seem to have been few if any compromises made in bringing the Super to market at this knocked-down price.

Unusually on a budget model you even get a separate LCD display window atop the camera, enabling you to review essential shooting options at a glance.

The only slip is that you don't get a rechargeable battery supplied, which is disappointing. Instead you're just given four 1.5v AAs housed in the comfortably rounded grip claimed to last a mere 80 or so captures (though we managed closer to 195).

Shake, rattle and roll

With a flick of the on/off switch that encircles the shutter release button, you're up and rattling off images in around a second. The K100D Super's 11-AF points are fast to lock on to the subject of your shot with a beep of confirmation.

It copes impressively with crowded scenes and any shutter delay that might occur is imperceptible. Dedicated modes for the likes of moving subjects, close ups and night portraits enable you to point and shoot from the off - with consistently effective results.